Moonchild is the newest child of the team behind Atlas Coffeehouse, Columbus Coffee Co, Supernova, Neptune, Apollo Coffee Bar and the defunct Lunar Coffee Brewers – all of which I’ve been with the exception of Columbus. With this context, it was hard not to come with a certain level of expectation.
Given that the café opened recently with much attraction to crowds, I recommend avoiding the weekend if possible or to come as early as opening hour to snag a table without queueing. On a positive note, the café had both indoor and outdoor dining areas with plenty of seats, just that they seemed to limit the number of patrons during busy periods.
With a range of Filters, Espresso Coffees, Teas, Natural Wines and other drinks to choose from, the drinks menu was extensive to suit all palates. From my 3 occasions here, I got to try both espresso blends for my Flat White and Latte ($5.3 for regular 7oz, +$1.1 for oat) – Mr Cuddles (Bold & Strong) and Mr Brightside (Juicy & Bright). Both blends suited my preference and my coffees had a creamy, nutty aftertaste like peanut butter.
The food menu was divided into The Morning Situation (9am – 3pm) which offers breakfast/brunch options and Midday to Close (11am onwards) which features lunch options like pastas, rice bowls and burgers.
I had the Potato Stack Smoked Salmon Poached Eggs ($21.9) which is their version of the eggs royale. Instead of the usual English muffin or toast, fried potato stack was used and I liked biting into the layers of potato. The eggs were also of good quality, with flowy orange golden yolks.
The Banana Bread with Espresso Mascarpone ($12.6) was huge, I couldn’t finish it on my own for breakfast. The brown creamy layer of espresso mascarpone was addictive and paired well with the fluffy bread. Salt was also sprinkled on top and created a sweet savoury combination, like salted caramel.
If I had to pick a favourite, it would be the Butterscotch Rum Bananas French Toast ($22). The brioche was sufficiently but not overly moist and fluffy and came well together with the other elements of butterscotch rum bananas, vanilla ice cream and candied hazelnuts.
If you are into thin pancakes (like McDonalds’ hot cakes), I would recommend the Hotcakes with Fresh Blueberry Compote and Raspberry Butter ($19.9), which were fluffy and light.
From the lunch menu, I tried the Unagi Don ($20.9) and it was surprisingly good. The grilled unagi was tender and optimally sweet, and was served with ikura, burnt buttered corn, furikake, nori, and Japanese rice.
I had read reviews recommending the Really Nice Mushrooms on Toast ($19.5) which comes with grilled mushrooms, spinach, pickled shallots, creamy mushroom sauce, sourdough crumb, and 2 poached eggs. However, my friend and I found the mushrooms too salty and I thought the dish could have more depth.
Apart from the slight disappointment with the mushrooms and toast, the other dishes left me well-fed and satisfied. With other promising and raved-about items on their menu, Moonchild could be that weekend brunch spot that is perpetually packed, just like its sister cafes.
351 Jalan Besar, #01-01, Singapore 208988
Tues to Sat 9am – 10pm
Sun 9am – 7pm
Closed on Mon
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